Risk Factors for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing CFS. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk factors for developing CFS may include:

High levels of physical activity were associated with a lower risk of CFS.

Veterans who served in the gulf war have a higher risk of CFS than their counterparts who were not deployed.

CFS is diagnosed one and half times more often in women than in men. This may be due to biological, psychological, and/or social influences.

However, an increasingly diverse patient group seems to be emerging as more doctors recognize CFS as a real medical disorder.

CFS is most common in people between the ages of 20 and 50. It can develop in people of all age groups, including teenagers and young children.

Some research suggests that people who are highly driven and achievement-oriented may be more at risk for developing CFS. However, perhaps this personality type increases the risk only after exposure to new mental stress or viral infections.

Early abuse, trauma, or family problems may be associated with the development of chronic fatigue later in life.

It has been suggested that exposure to certain viral infections may be responsible for the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. However, in carefully done research studies, this has not yet been conclusively proven to be true.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Can we help answer your questions?

Wellmont Nurse Connection is your resource for valuable health information any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Speak to a Nurse any time, day or night, at (423) 723-6877 or toll-free at 1-877-230-NURSE.